men

Pine

Mars rules this incredibly strong scent. Masculine and potent, pine has many facets. The two strongest, in this writer's opinion, are prosperity and ridding an area of spiritual interference. This may be exactly why pine is used at Yule/Christmas. Unconsciously, people may be aware of a "clean" feeling about their home during this time. An uncluttering, if you prefer.

     Just as our women have been bombarded by glossy photos , and compared with larger-than-life movie stars, so also have our men-folk. In this age of ready information and the baby-boomer quest for eternal youthful looks, and trim, athletic bodies it has become increasingly important for men to adopt their own beauty regimen, *winks*

     Every day we are polluted with numerous chemical stressors along with the stresses and rigors of life, making Nature's Pharmacoepia of essential oils a much more appealing, natural alternative when choosing health and beauty treatments. Conscientious hygiene should be as much a part of one’s daily regimen as opening the eyes upon awaking.

     There are marvelous books available on extensive uses of aromatherapy for our men-folk. We shall just highlight just a few of the uses here, to save you all time from ferreting out the information.

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BEARDS/SHAVING:

     When beards are mentioned, or seen, some people have been known to wrinkle their noses and look askance at the fellow sporting one. I have seen some people act as if a "beard" were a flea-infested critter. One lady actually told me that beards are rough and stink, *sighs*   There was even a fundamental church that asked the gentleman sporting a beard, to take his family and leave, no joke! No beards allowed in the “sanctuary.”

     If properly cared for, a fellow can be quite fetching in a beard.   Just like any hair, if kept clean and well maintained with healthy skin peeking through, soft and sweet smelling, a beard can be quite a fashion statement for our menfolk. Consider for a moment the guy whose dewlap has become an embarrassment to him, or the man with a receding chin who only appears to have little character. You might also consider the portly gentleman who is ashamed of his double chin, or yet another who may have a facial disfigurement. In each of these instances, the properly sculpted beard can add beautiful symmetry to a face and camouflage less than desirable features. After all, how many men frequent the cosmetics counter to purchase make-up to enhance their appearance?   Little Richard is excluded, LOL

Aromatherapy is a wonderful, natural, safe, discreet tool for gentlemen to have in their arsenal of “beauty treatments.”

FLOWER ESSENCES AND BEARDS

     Essential oils that are good for beards: lavender, rosemary, lemon, cypress, and thyme linalol. Conditioning oils: avocado, jojoba, and peanut oils. Always remember, cold-pressed oils are superior and retain their nutritional properties.

· If the skin is irritated while growing out your beard, you might want to try the following: sandalwood 5 drops, chamomile 5 drops, rose 5 drops, lavender 2 drops. Add to 2 ounces (50 mls) of chosen carrier oil/s.
· Beard Conditioner -- Some people have had much success with the following beard conditioning formula.   Dilute in 5 teaspoons almond oil, plus 3 teaspoons jojoba oil: 10 drops rosemary, 6 drops lavender, 5 drops thyme linalool, and 10 drops lemon. While your beard is growing out, apply this formula to the beard area, massaging it in well, and wiping off any excess. If the beard is already grown, use it as a conditioning treatment by massaging it thoroughly into the beard and skin before a shower or bath. Wash it off afterwards either in the shower, or after the bath, as with any conditioner.
· Beer Rinse -- Did you ever wonder, guys, what to do with that stale beer sitting around? Use it to make a beard rinse! The proteins in the beard will coat and protect the hair. Mix together thoroughly: 1 ounce water, 2 teaspoons cold processed apple cider vinegar, 8 drops lemon, 1 ounce stale beer, 5 drops rosemary. Use in the final rinse of your beard (great for regular hair also!), and rinse well.
· Vodka Conditioner -- This will also be a great stimulator for the scalp and has been reputed to be extremely effective for hair growth. As an added bonus, it smells wonderful and can be used any time, at your convenience and does not need to be rinsed out. Combine 3 teaspoons vodka, 9 drops rosemary, and 15 drops of lavender. Mix well and add to 3 tablespoons of water.

FLOWER ESSENCES AND SHAVING

     It is important to note that essential oils do not clog the pores, and will help to balance oily and inflamed skin. Essential oils penetrate easily and are the perfect nourishing treatment to include in your skin care regimen. Also, since they contain no dyes or preservatives, using flower essences is very kind and gentle to sensitive skin.

· Aftershave for Oily Skin -- Put 15 mls high proof vodka into a clean, dry bottle, and add 3 drops grapefruit and 3 drops of lavender, shaking well until dissolved. Add 250 mls orange-flower water, and shake well. Shake well before each use.
· Aftershave Splash -- This is a refreshing, antiseptic aftershave that you can personalize and customize to your own choosing. Experiment, have fun, and make your own personal scent.   In a clean dry bottle add 2 teaspoons tincture of benzoin, 6 drops bay, 6 drops lemon, 4 drops lavender, 8 drops rosemary, and 3 drops lime, shaking well for one minute. Add 4 teaspoons witch hazel and shake well. Add 2 ounces rosewater and 2 teaspoons natural apple cider vinegar, shaking well.   Always shake well before using.
· Teen Aftershave -- This would also be good for gentlemen with really sensitive skin.   In a clean, dry bottle put 25 mls high proof vodka and 6 drops sandalwood (or cedarwood, or cypress, or grapefruit, or vertiver). Shake well. Lastly add 250 mls orange-flower water, and mix well.

First Aid for Shaving:

· Shaving Cuts -- Mix the following ingredients into a bottle: 2 teaspoons witch hazel, 10 drops lavender, and 10 drops yarrow.   It has been reported that dabbing a little onto the affected area is a good antiseptic and will slow bleeding. Shake well before each use.
· Barber rash -- It has been suggested that this formula should be applied to the rash, left on for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess with a tissue. In a clean, dry bottle combine 10 drops lavender, 10 drops German chamomile, 5 drops calendula, and 4 teaspoons evening primrose oil, shaking to mix well.    If itching is a problem, as opposed to a rash, the above formula can be further diluted by adding to 2 tablespoons of soya oil.
· Inflammation caused by Shaving -- In 2 teaspoons tincture of myrhh add 10 drops German chamomile, 5 drops lavender, 2 drops peppermint, and 1 drop lemon, shaking the bottle well. Lastly add 2 tablespoons rosewater, shaking well. Shake well before each use.

     These formulas would be a fantastic project for the discriminating lady, who wants unique, personal gift/s for the men in her life. Either way, have fun, personalize, customize and make with love. A little reminder, always keep in mind my original disclaimer (it keeps the legal folk happy).